Nutter, Joy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317768 Inspection date 27 July 2006 Inspector Maralyn Chiverton

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since November 2005 to care for no more than four children less than eight years of age at any one time. At present there are three children who attend on a part-time basis. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding and children have access to a bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed area for outdoor play. The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged six and two years in Morley on the outskirts of Leeds. She takes and collects children from school, takes children to the local park, library and other amenities as well as attending the local

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 toddler group. The childminder is a member of a recognised childminding association and her husband acts as an assistant when required. The family have a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from an environment that is very clean and welcoming. The childminder's very good understanding of how to effectively promote and implement good procedures for health and hygiene ensures children are kept healthy. For example, regular washing of hands and surfaces wiped down with antibacterial spray before preparation of food. Children's good awareness and understanding about the need for personal hygiene is well promoted through discussion, and simple explanations. For example, to stop germs from spreading and making us ill. Children are offered a nutritious, well-balanced diet which includes a choice of cereals, lots of fresh vegetables, fruit and meat as well as fresh drinking water throughout the day. Children have a clear understanding of the benefits of healthy eating through simple discussion with the childminder. For example, eating lots of fruit and vegetables

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Helping children to be healthy

makes us strong and healthy. Children are kept free from infection through the childminders good knowledge of infectious diseases and the incubation periods as well as an effective sick child policy. Children's needs with regard to rest and sleep are well met through the childminder's comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the individual needs of the children in her care. They are provided with regular exercise and are encouraged to spend time outdoors in the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are provided with an environment which is safe, secure and allows children to move safely, freely and independently. Equipment and resources are safe, suitable and purposeful. Children benefit from the high priority the childminder places on keeping them safe. For example, she uses a weekly check list to ensure her resource and equipment is safe as well as identifying and minimising any risks to the children in her care. All equipment and resources have passed the BS EN safety standards. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate. Children develop a sound awareness of their own personal safety through discussion and following of 'house rules'. For example, not to participate in activities which are dangerous to themselves. They are kept safe on outings through the childminders very good organisation skills. For example, a mobile phone with parents contact numbers is always taken, as well as an appropriate first aid kit. Children are well

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protected from harm through the childminder's very good understanding of her duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in her care with regard to child protection. She has a comprehensive understanding of the procedures to follow

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 should she have any concerns. However, the child protection policy does not fully include the new regulatory changes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show good self esteem and interest in what they do. Older children are able to choose from a broad range of resources and activities which are purposeful and contribute to their progress. These include creative materials, small world, games and musical instruments. However, very young children are not provided with enough natural resources to develop their curiosity and perception of their immediate environment. Children enjoy playing at role play which promotes their imaginative skills well. For example, they become painters, use buckets of water and brushes to 'paint' the outdoor fence. They benefit from regular outings to places of interest, as well as attending mother and toddler groups. The childminder promotes children's understanding of language, colour, shape, and numbers through everyday activities, such as counting the stairs and using alphabet cutters when baking biscuits.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing a clear understanding between right and wrong through simple discussion. For example, if we share and take turns then everyone can play. They benefit from the childminders enthusiasm, enjoyment and involvement with their learning. Children are well supported and encouraged which allows them to be confident independent learners. The childminder is furthering her knowledge and understanding of working with the Birth to three matters framework to ensure that very young children progress as well as older ones.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment which allows them to feel fully included and gives them a sense of belonging. They are valued as individuals, their self-confidence and self-esteem well promoted through lots of praise, support and encouragement. Children benefit from the childminder's good understanding of how to promote equality of opportunity. They are well behaved and understand responsible behaviour which is well promoted by the childminder's sound understanding of behaviour management and strategies. For example, set realistic goals according to age and stage of development, be a positive role model and always give lots of praise. Children's understanding of diversity and their own environment is well promoted through access to a good range of resources, visits to places of interest as well as appropriate, television programmes which actively promote positive images of disability, gender and other cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit well from the good effective partnership between the childminder and parents. Parents are provided with an excellent, attractive portfolio which includes a full range of policies and procedures. They are encouraged to share information, well supported with areas of concern and are consulted fully with regard to all areas of their child's care and progress. This ensures children's individual needs are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 They receive feedback about their child's progress through daily written reports, access to children's special books as well as verbal communication.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are well cared for and their individual needs well met through the excellent management and organisation skills of the childminder. For example, the childminder has implemented well presented and meticulously detailed policies and procedures which significantly enhances children's safety, health, and enjoyment, as well as ensuring the provision runs smoothly and efficiently. Children benefit from access to their own play room which is well organised to ensure effective use of space and resources. This actively contributes to providing more opportunities for choice and allows children to independently develop their learning. The childminder enjoys what she does, is enthusiastic, highly motivated and committed to improving her professional development through training. For example, she has attended an introductory course on the Birth to three matters framework and

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Organisation

is planning to attend a more in depth course. The childminder is pro-active in ensuring she keeps abreast of early years issues through regular use of the internet. This broadening of her knowledge and understanding makes a significant contribution to the quality of care and education offered. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • introduce more natural resources to allow babies and young children to develop their curiosity and perceptions of their immediate environment • review child protection policy to ensure regulatory changes are in place.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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